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Indiana Dunes Tourism Hosts Indigenous Cultural Trail Dedication and Fundraiser
PORTER, Ind.—Indiana Dunes Tourism will host an Indigenous Cultural Trail Dedication and Fundraiser on Wednesday, September 27, at 3 pm CT for the public at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center (1215 N. State Rd. 49, Porter, IN 46304). This event will celebrate the progress on the Indiana Dunes Indigenous Cultural Trail infrastructure and highlight previous donors. The fundraising portion of the program is for signage and art installations. The trail is not complete.
Members of Indiana Dunes Tourism, the National Park Service, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma invite you to join us for this special dedication. Members of both tribes, accompanied by dancers, will raise the Miami, Potawatomi and American flags at the trailhead. A custom firepit with tribal designs has been installed, so there will be a fire, treats and a short presentation by each tribe.
What: Indigenous Cultural Trail Dedication and Fundraiser
When: Wednesday, September 27, 3 pm CT
Where: Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 N. State Rd. 49, Porter, IN 46304
RSVP: Wednesday, September 20 to julie@indianadunes.com or 219-926-2255
Current Program:- 3:00 pm: Welcome public & opening remarks
- 3:30 pm: Veterans raise Tribal & American flags (Performance by dancers & drummer)
- 4:30 pm: Fire pit gathering & Red Tail Hawk program
The Indiana Dunes Indigenous Cultural Trail (ICT) is a collaboration between Indiana Dunes Tourism, the Porter County Community Foundation, the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Tribe, the National Park Service and the Chicago Field Museum.
More than just a hiking trail, this interactive experience will weave Indigenous cultures with the natural ecology of the Indiana Dunes, one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. The team aims to elevate Indigenous voices and tell their stories of the past and present. Organizers are working together to share Indigenous languages and perspectives in a big way—through stories and sculptures along the new Indiana Dunes Indigenous Cultural Trail.
"The response to the Indiana Dunes Indigenous Trail concept has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors and locals are looking forward to seeing the trail develop,” said Christine Livingston, Vice President of Indiana Dunes Tourism. “The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center welcomed nearly 200,000 people to the dunes last year. Having the trail located here will elevate Indigenous voices in the Indiana Dunes and introduce thousands to this important part of our story."
It's because of patron generosity that the trail is under construction. The bridge, crosswalks and other infrastructure are now in place. Indiana Dunes Tourism has raised nearly $500k! The next steps toward trail completion are trail signage, a welcome shelter and limestone sculptures.
Indiana Dunes Tourism appreciates the continued interest and support of the public and hopes to see you on September 27.
Quotes from the tribes:
Through our work on the Indiana Dunes Indigenous Cultural Trail you honor the history of Miami people in the area and educate thousands of visitors about that history and about the Miami Tribe today. Our collaboration also led to the composition of the Indiana Dunes Land Acknowledgment. When contacted by other organizations about land acknowledgments, I always refer them to yours as an example of the true meaning and purpose of a land acknowledgment. Through the land acknowledgment, you demonstrate the value of our mutual engagement and reflect a determination to extend an on-going relationship. Your statement truly represents a commitment by Indiana Dunes to continue to engage the people whose ancestors have been here since time immemorial. I commend you and your colleagues for reaching out to the Miami Tribe to develop this valuable relationship that enables us both to provide accurate information about the Indigenous people of the Indiana Dunes area.
Diane Hunter
Former Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
Miami Tribe of Oklahoma
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The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi desires to educate visitors and residents regarding their ties to the Indiana Dunes area and the presence of Indigenous peoples today and during historic times. Having representatives of multiple tribes helping to develop the Indiana Dunes Indigenous Cultural Trail ensures that the project is being done in a good way, considering the viewpoints of all those involved. With the development of the trail, visitors and residents will be able to relate better to the tribes of the region, knowing more about their history, language, and culture.
The Pokagon Band looks forward to the day the tribal flag is flown in front of the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, signifying the culmination of collaborative work amongst diverse stakeholders.
Jennifer Kanine, PhD. AWB®
Director, Department of Natural Resources
Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians
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Indiana Dunes Tourism is the official destination marketing, planning and development organization for the Indiana Dunes area (Porter County). For more information about Indiana Dunes Tourism, visit IndianaDunes.com.
INVITE LINK
Indiana Dunes Tourism
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Dustin Ritchea Promotions Director
- September 14, 2023
- (219) 926-2255
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